Lake Erie is in poor condition – the worst among the Great Lakes – and it's getting worse, according to a report this week from the EPA and Canadian officials.
Jill Jedlicka from the Buffalo Niagara River Keeper says because Lake Erie is the shallowest of the Great Lakes, it's also the most vulnerable.
"We certainly believe that the conditions of Lake Erie are headed in the wrong direction,” she said.
With Buffalo on the eastern end of the lake, beach closures and habitat loss for living things are of major concern. Runoff from large industrial farms and human sewage systems are partly to blame for the issues facing the lake.
"What jumps out is that Lake Erie is the one that's suffering the most and has the most impairments and is headed in the wrong direction. That's our community, that's our home and we need to work to protect it,” Jedlicka said.
Martin Denecke with the Town of Hamburg says heavy rainfall and high winds this season have often brought more toxins into swimming areas.
"I've been involved in managing and operating these beaches for many years, and this is probably the worst start we've ever had,” he said.
While the EPA report seems grim, Jedlicka says it's not all doom and gloom. She advocates for working with farmers and municipalities to prevent further damage. Swimming, fishing and other activities can still be safe.
"It's not dangerous in general to be using and enjoying these lakes,” she said. “I think the more that people get out and recreate and use these lakes and learn more about them, than the easier it's going to be for us to protect them."